They do still brew PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon), along with Pabst's legacy beers. However, it is important to note that PBR is no longer brewed by Pabst Brewing Company itself. Instead, it is currently brewed under contract by MillerCoors at their brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Pabst Blue Ribbon has a long and interesting history, dating back to its founding in 1844 by Jacob Best and his sons. Over the years, PBR gained popularity and became one of the most iconic American beer brands. However, like many other breweries, Pabst faced challenges and changes in the beer industry.
In the late 20th century, there was a decline in the popularity of traditional American lagers, including Pabst Blue Ribbon. This led to financial difficulties for Pabst, and in 2001, they made the decision to cease brewing operations at their original Milwaukee brewery. The brewing of PBR was then contracted out to Miller Brewing Company, which later merged with Coors Brewing Company to form MillerCoors.
While some may argue that PBR's move to contract brewing has impacted its authenticity or quality, it is worth noting that contract brewing is a common practice in the beer industry. Many well-known beer brands, both large and small, have their beers brewed under contract by other breweries. This allows them to reach a wider market and maintain production even if they do not have their own brewing facilities.
MillerCoors has the resources and expertise to ensure that PBR is brewed consistently and according to its original recipe. They have access to the necessary equipment, ingredients, and brewing techniques to produce PBR at scale. However, it is important to acknowledge that there may be slight variations in taste or quality compared to when PBR was brewed by Pabst Brewing Company itself.
As a sommelier and brewer, I believe that the brewing process and the quality of ingredients play a significant role in the final product. While the brewing location may have changed, it is possible for MillerCoors to faithfully recreate the flavors and characteristics that made PBR a beloved beer. However, taste is subjective, and some people may argue that there are subtle differences between PBR brewed by Pabst and PBR brewed by MillerCoors.
PBR is still being brewed, but not by Pabst Brewing Company. It is currently brewed in Milwaukee by MillerCoors under contract. While there may be some debate about the impact of contract brewing on PBR's authenticity, it is important to acknowledge that contract brewing is a common practice in the beer industry. Ultimately, the taste and quality of PBR brewed by MillerCoors may be subject to personal preference and individual perception.